Facts In Action

A recent review of children’s literature revealed that children’s books rarely provide examples of children resolving differences and problems with their siblings through conflict management, negotiation, or problem solving.

More often parents are portrayed in the literature as the problem solvers who impose solutions on their children rather than letting children find creative ways to respond to conflicts.

In the classroom, teachers can help children build positive relationships with their brothers and sisters by:

• adding specific books to your library that illustrate concrete actions for managing conflicts between siblings, such as collaborative problem solving and exploring emotions

• providing opportunities to discuss conflict management when books do not fully illustrate this process

• establishing a "conflict corner" in your room – for example, a small table with words or phrases put onto labels that would be appropriate for children to use when dealing with a conflict or emotional situation

• using books that show parents as effective conflict managers, and sharing these books with parents.

Source:
"Representations of Sibling Relationships in Young Children’s Literature", Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 14, No. 4, 1999)

The following list includes children's books that you might find helpful. Unfortunately, many of these books are out of print, but you might find these books at the library or used-book stores, or through on-line book sources.

Negotiating and sharing by siblings:

• I'll Be the Horse if You'll Play With Me (1975) by Martha Alexander (out of print)

Siblings solving a problem together:

• The Train to Lulu's (1988) by E.F. Howard (out of print)
• Slither McCreep and his Brother, Joe (1992) by T. Johnston
• Let's Be Friends Again (1986) by H.Wilhelm (out of print)

Parents encouraging their children to talk about their feelings:

• Sometimes I Get So Mad (1980) by Paula Z. Hogan

Facts in Action, March 2000